One small oddity is that there will be a "kit" sold consisting of the EOS 40D and the EF 28-135IS lens.
The kit price will be $1499.00, only $200 more than the cost of the camera body. The 28-135 is something of an odd choice since 28mm on an APS-C DLSR is equivalent to about 45mm on a full frame camera, so this would be a "normal to telephoto" zoom rather than the "wide to short telephoto" normally sold as a kit lens. Canon has also announced an IS version of the 18-55 kit lens which will sell for $200. The 28-135 is a much better lens and normally sells for around $380, so $200 is a heavily discounted price! It's a pretty good deal if you intend to buy something like the EF-S 10-22 to cover the true wideangle end of the range.

UPDATE - AUGUST 20TH - Amazon have changed their EOS 40D kit.
Yesterday they were offering the 28-135IS with the 40D. Today, the same link shows the new EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6IS USM as the kit lens. Canon had put the price of the 18-55IS USM at $200, so the kit with that lens for $1499 doesn't save you anything. I'm not quite sure what's going on there!

UPADATE2 - AUGUST 21st - Amazon are now back to the 28-135IS as the kit lens. It seems to be that the 28-135 is indeed the correct kit lens for the $1499.99 price, since that's what the Canon USA press release specified.

Canon EOS 40D with 28-135IS lens. Pre-order from Amazon now by clicking on above right
Delivery is expected to start in September. First come, first served!

Here is a detailed description:

Canon EOS 40D

Building on the success of Canon's perennially popular "prosumer" EOS 20D and
30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range digital SLR cameras,
making it a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level
professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the
level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry, and user-requested
creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR's "prosumer" appellation may refer more
to its accessible price point than to the exceptional quality, clarity, and resolution of
the images it creates.

From the camera's newly enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor (designed and
manufactured by Canon) and its proprietary and super-efficient DIGIC III image processor,
to its completely redesigned autofocus sensor and fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps)
continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images),
the EOS 40D SLR puts the fun in functionality and makes serious photo business a positive
pleasure.

Indeed, at 6.5 fps, no digital SLR in the EOS 40D mid-range class and price category
has so high a continuous shooting capability, making it ideal for shooting--and actually
capturing--speed-sensitive outdoor and wild-nature shots as well as a wide variety of
action and sports scenes. The speed of the EOS 40D SLR comes from Canon's balanced
combination of its latest processor, DIGIC IIII, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory,
four-channel-per-line sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror
operation.

Display's the Thing - The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR
is the camera's larger 3.0-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS 30D's 2.5-inch monitor).
Still, size is only the beginning of the difference between these two cameras' displays.
In order to increase viewing ease in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, Canon
raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D camera's 230,000-pixel LCD screen, broadened
the color gamut, and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide
140-degree perspective in all directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display
is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and
menu options on the screen. The camera's menu is organized in the same tabbed format as
the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR.

Canon extends its "ease-of-reading" policy to the EOS 40D SLR's viewfinder as
well. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands
the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to
22mm.

Enhanced Durability Recognizing the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered
by professional and advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS
40D SLR's magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors
with upgraded dust- and weather-resistant construction, particularly around the camera's
connection ports, battery compartment, and single-slot compact flash (CF) memory card
door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is
writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door
"alarm" will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card
without interruption. The EOS 40D SLR also retains many of the outstanding features of the
EOS 30D model, such as its fast 0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable
shutter (rated up to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, and 1/250
maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.

Improved Image Quality Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital
Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR's 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been
significantly improved thanks to the use of larger microlenses over each pixel to reduce
noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The EOS 40D retains the model 30D camera's
1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm
film) and is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's
expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon
digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors.

Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is the
camera's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384
colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS 30D SLR's 12-bit
conversion capability), the EOS 40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more
accurate gradations of tones and colors. The EOS 40D also incorporates the optional
Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced earlier
this year with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR. DIGIC III DIGIC III is the
latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. DIGIC III technology
ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and,
as an added bonus, is also responsible for the EOS 40D SLR's high-speed performance,
faster signal processing, and even its efficient energy consumption.

sRAW In addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its predecessors,
the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable "sRAW" recording format. In sRAW
mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the
file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative
possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images.

Improved Autofocus and Exposure Control While the EOS 40D SLR maintains the nine-point
wide area AF coverage first introduced on the EOS 20D camera, Canon has made significant
improvements to its speed, precision, and functionality, minimizing subject recognition
problems in the process. The EOS 40D camera's completely redesigned nine-point AF sensor
provides cross-type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to
f5.6, and for the first time in any EOS camera, the central AF point offers enhanced
precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses
featuring maximum apertures of f2.8 or faster. AF calculation speed with the EOS 40D
camera is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D model.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR retains the same 35-zone metering sensor as its
predecessor. Available patterns include Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF
points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Centerweighted average metering,
Partial metering, and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of
the viewfinder at center, respectively. The camera's E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure
control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR model.
However, as a result of consumer input, Canon has added three Custom exposure modes. As an
added convenience, particularly for wireless flash operations, users can adjust the flash
settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.

The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop
increments. Users can also opt for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. For the first time in
any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes.
This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light
or shaky shooting conditions. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the
active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder as well as on the top LCD data panel.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to offer two
interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen. Users
can opt for a grid-type focus screen that makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical
alignment while determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte
focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the "sweet spot" of manual
focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f2.8 or faster.

Enhanced Live View -
Previously the province of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon's top-tier professional
cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an expanded and
exceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting options. By permitting the framing
and capturing of subjects using the camera's LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the
shooter gains a 100 percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A
new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the
camera's AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror goes down and AF is carried out in
the normal way. Letting go of the AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the
Live View shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in order to
ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod
shooting--particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a
side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex
mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at
slow shutter speeds. A new electronic 1st-curtain shutter function in Live View mode
reduces release time lag and operational noise even further to avoid spooking wildlife or
disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. Additionally, as the release time
lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily
captured.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera,
the EOS Integrated Cleaning System is a prime example of trickle-up technology and is now
becoming a standard feature on all new EOS Digital SLRs. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor
Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake dust particles off of the low-pass
filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Users also
have the option of engaging the "clean now" function at will or bypassing it
altogether. Additionally, the EOS 40D SLR's manual sensor cleaning function raises the
mirror and allows users to clean dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter. Dust that has
been shaken or blown loose is then trapped by adhesive at the base of the sensor unit
housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter
when the camera moves. The second part of the cleaning system is a software solution that
maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is
saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust
information is subtracted from the final image during post processing with a compatible
personal computer, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.

Improved SoftwareAmong the most valuable features of the Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is
its compatibility with Canon's Picture Style Editor (PSE) 1.0 software. With PSE, shooters
can actually design the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred style,
color, and tone curves. The EOS 40D Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of
Canon's powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.1 and EOS
Utility 2.1, which now support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data
functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to
improve image quality and speed up workflow. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 5.8 and
ImageBrowser 5.8 for easy browsing, viewing, printing, and archiving with compatible
computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as
Mac OS X.

Accessories (Not Included--Must be Purchased Separately) New system accessories for the
EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned high-capacity Battery Grip BG-E2N, which facilitates
high-volume shooting and easier vertical shooting. Compatible with up to two BP-511A
battery packs or a set of six AA-size batteries, the battery grip approximately doubles
the number of shots that can be taken, compared with the battery power of the EOS 40D SLR
alone. The BG-E2N grip features new sealing material around the battery compartment to
better resist water and dust. The new model replaces the original BG-E2 grip and is
compatible with the EOS 20D, 30D, and 40D models.

Designed exclusively for the EOS 40D SLR, the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A
permits wireless transfer and back-up, as well as remote control of the camera in Live
View mode. It can also be connected to various GPS receivers or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external
storage devices such as convenient flash drives or high-capacity hard drives with much
larger storage capacity than the memory cards in the camera for instant back-up as images
are captured. Compact and affordable, the WFT-E3A wireless transmitter also doubles as a
vertical grip and requires its own BP-511A battery pack in addition to the battery
installed in the camera body.

Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.1) is an image processing
program that enables high-speed RAW image processing, high-speed previewing for real-time
image adjustment and support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because
it's CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo Professional allows for easy
image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge
printers. It also features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.

EOS Utility (Version 2.1) for Macintosh or Windows handles the
connection between the camera and computer, whenever they're connected via USB. It allows
remote controlled shooting from the computer, handles downloading of images from the
camera to the computer, and allows seamless linking to either Canon's
ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional software once images have been
copied to the hard drive. Furthermore, it's used to upload settings back into a
USB-connected camera.

ZoomBrowser EX (Version 5.8) for Windows and ImageBrowser
(Version 5.8) for Mac OS X are the easy, user-friendly options for viewing and
editing of JPEG and even RAW image files. Both allow viewing of numerous types of images
including finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a variety of search options for
finding images, allow re-naming of single images or batches of files, and offer a variety
of options for printing without using a separate image-editing program.

RAW Image Task (Version 2.7) for Windows/Macintosh
This software is an integrated component of ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) or ImageBrowser
(Mac). It allows processing of RAW images from EOS cameras, including the new EOS 40D,
with a variety of adjustment possibilities. These options, as well as the overall color,
contrast and "look" of RAW Image Task, closely mimic the characteristics of
Canon's in-camera JPEG processing.

Canon EOS 40D Specifications

CANON EOS 40D SPECIFICATIONS

Resolution:

Approximately 10.1 million effective pixels (total pixels: approximately
10.5 million)

Fine-tuning of overall color, in any white balance mode; amberblue
correction, in 9 steps; magentagreen correction, in 9 steps; set on graph on LCD
monitor, using 9-way controller; both types of correction can be combined

White Balance bracketing:

Three separate files written with a single click of the shutter; can be
varied in the amberblue direction, or the magentagreen direction; can be
adjusted up to +/- 15 mireds (equivalent to 3 steps on the 9-step adjust scale); can be
combined with standard auto exposure bracketing (9 files written to CF card)

Picture style:

Extensive range of settings for user to tailor color, contrast, sharpness,
etc. to their preference; same characteristics as previous EOS SLRs with Picture Style
control

Amazon are taking pre-orders for delivery in September. Order now if you want to be the first on your block with an
EOS 40D. I think it's a significant advance over the EOS 20D/30D (and of course even more of an advance over earlier models and the Rebel series). It's not just the extra pixels of the EOS 40D, in fact they aren't very important. It's the new sensor design plus 14-bit A/D which should give lower noise and better dynamic range, the higher speed operation, the larger LCD, the "live view" mode, a degree of weatherseling and the new AF system. They all add up to a camera that's a definite improvement over earlier models. I'm not just saying that, I placed my order for an EOS 40D with Amazon on August 20th!